The works presented at the exhibition suggest that sizes and measures accompany us everywhere, from the physical, expressed in numerical values, which measure the entire material world, to the figurative meanings that reflect a measure of human authority, self-worth, compassion or identity. Every day we come across clothing sizes, weight and body indexes, precious metal hallmarks, wage range and information technology measures (kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes). Textile artists are fascinated by how an imperfect individual feels in the world ruled by numbers and measures and his or her desire to conform to the established norms. Scenes and symbols embodying the passing time are most popular in smooth-surfaced three-dimensional miniatures as well as shaping the artworks from modular details, many meanings of numbers and sizes that characterize the human environment of today.
Artists convey their thoughts and ideas through the plastic of the artworks, revealing the specifics of different materials, using the capabilities of conventional techniques (weaving, felting, embroidery, mixed techniques) and innovative means of expression. While we understand that standard thinking and the unification of objects are at odds with creativity and originality, we very often strive to be perfect and strive to conform to norms and standards. Perhaps it guarantees personal security, natural integration into society, but do we feel good about giving up individuality?
11th International Textile Biennial “Measure” is exhibited until December 4 at the gallery Arka, located at 7 Aušros vartų Str., Vilnius.